Eugene's Thai experience on the Fall 2022 Faculty-led Program Abroad | Global Learning and Engagement

I decided to participate in a Global Learning Opportunity because I wanted to understand the world better and experience different cultures. During the study trip, I developed many skills, such as communication, problem-solving and adaptability.

One enjoyable cultural experience I had was dressing up in colourful costumes and parading through the streets while carrying a giant paper umbrella made by local artisans. 

I encountered many cultural differences abroad, including language, customs, values and traditions. However, I quickly realized that although some cultures may vary vastly from my own, there are still many commonalities. For instance, when travelling to Bangkok, I noticed that the locals were friendly and welcoming even though I was a foreigner. This taught me to be open-minded and accepting of different cultures.

My most memorable day occurred during a visit to the city centre, a place full of history and culture. On this day, we take the sky train to travel around on top of the street where we could see all the landmarks in the city, such as its churches and shopping mall. We also explored its cobblestone streets filled with shops and cafés. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget!

My study trip abroad taught me many valuable lessons about the world and different cultures. I became more aware of the world around me and learned to be open-minded to appreciate and understand cultural diversity. In addition, sharing my story is an excellent way for future students to learn about Global Learning Opportunities and how they can benefit from them.

As I continue to pursue my personal, professional and academic goals, the insights gained from this experience have been precious. My next steps include using what I learnt on my trip to create meaningful connections with people of different backgrounds and educate others about cultural appreciation's importance. Moreover, I plan to continue engaging in Global Learning Opportunities by travelling abroad again and immersing myself in diverse cultures whenever possible.

Participating in a Global Learning Opportunity has helped me grow as an individual and develop a greater global perspective. It has opened up many new opportunities and made me realize the importance of mutual understanding between different cultures. Now that I have completed this journey, I am looking forward to exploring more of the world and all it has to offer. I am passionate about creating a better future for everyone by learning from diverse cultures and experiences. This is why I plan to continue engaging in Global Learning Opportunities.